Rain, snow hit electricity supply in Jammu division

Jammu Jan 23: Incessant rainfall and heavy snowfall across the Jammu division severely disrupted the power distribution network, causing electricity demand to plunge to a historic low of 140 MW early Friday, officials said, as restoration work continued amid difficult weather conditions.

The load of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) dropped to a historic low compared to the normal average running load of approximately 1,070 MW.

Following sustained restoration efforts, JPDCL has progressively enhanced the running load to 564 MW, restoring nearly 52 per cent of the overall power supply so far.

In District Jammu, the power system has been particularly impacted by heavy rainfall, windstorms and uprooting of trees, which caused extensive damage to high-tension (HT) and low-tension (LT) lines. Restoration works are underway on a war footing, with field teams deployed across the district to attend to faults and damages on priority.

However, restoration efforts continue to face major challenges due to inaccessibility of snow-bound and rain-affected areas, especially in hilly and remote regions. The worst-affected areas include Mendhar, Mandi and Surankote in Poonch district; Kotranka, Darhal, Thanamandi, Manjakote and Makol in Rajouri; Bani, Lohai-Malhar, Duggan, Baggan and Machedi in Kathua; Bhaderwah and Marmat in Doda; Dhuna, Basantgarh, Pancheri and Patnitop in Udhampur; Dharmari, Sarh Bagga, Mahore and Chassana in Reasi; and several areas of Ramban, Kishtwar and Samba districts.

At the sub-transmission level, 92 out of 181 (66/33 kV) lines have been restored as of 12 noon, reflecting nearly 50 per cent restoration. At the distribution level, 568 out of 1,373 (11 kV) feeders have been restored, while work on the remaining accessible feeders is being carried out on priority.

JPDCL has mobilised adequate manpower and machinery to assess damages and ensure early and systematic restoration of power supply across all affected regions. The corporation has assured consumers that all possible efforts are being made to normalize electricity supply at the earliest, officials added.